Inclusion and Exclusion of Refugees: Rethinking Concepts and Theories

Abstract

A broad perspective is required in order to develop sound theoretical approaches applicable to refugees. Richmond (1988, 1993, 1994) argues that refugee theory should be seen as a part of wider migration theory. However, it is possible to go further than this and argue that general theories of ethnic relations are necessary in order to understand the social processes involved in the integration of refugees into the receiving society. This chapter explains the central concepts and theories utilized in this book. A sociological point of view is adopted in this book in order to study the processes which influence the social organization1 of the Kurdish refugee communities in exile. The book concerns itself with refugees’ specific experiences and social situation. Thus, the chapter concentrates on those discussions within the research area of international migration and ethnic relations which have a relevance for a study of the inclusion and exclusion of refugees in the country of settlement.KeywordsInternational MigrationContemporary WorldMulticultural SocietyRefugee CommunityEthnic RelationThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.